TIPS FOR DRIVING "ABOVE THE INFLUENCE"

A positive attitude makes a difference

Many teen crashes aren't caused by a lack of skills or knowledge, but by an attitude and maturity. Be sure to develop and practice a responsible driving attitude.

Drive while the sun is up.

Stick to daytime driving when you first get started. Your risks of a fatal crash is 3x higher at night per mile driven.

practice makes perfect

Work with your parents/guardian to get plenty of supervised practice for at least 6 months before you take your driver's license test - consider asking them to establish a set practice schedule with you. Practice driving in different conditions so you know what to expect in bad weather, heavy traffic, urban and rural situations, and night driving. Ask your parents what tips they have for handling these situations. The more experience you have prior to your driving test, the more confident you will feel behind the wheel.

Take it Slow.

Save the highway and other fast-moving, heavy traffic situations until you've had plenty of supervised practice. Gradually take on more difficult driving situations - such as merge ramps, major urban areas, and rush hour - once you're more comfortable with your driving capabilities. Don't forget, speeding is the #1 reason new drivers lose control of their cars!

Understanding the importance of "Above the influence" of drugs and alcohol.

Drinking alcohol or using drugs when driving is totally unacceptable. Not only is it dangerous, it's illegal and can cost you your license. Just one drink or one joint causes a chemical effect on the brain that can impair the senses and affect judgement and reaction time. Prescription drugs taken with a doctor's order might also affect your senses, so be aware of potential side effects before getting behind the wheel and never take a drug that wasn't prescribed to you.

LIMIT THE NUMBER OF FRIENDS.

Limit the number of friends you drive in your car if you're a new driver. Your risk of fatal crashes increases with each additional passenger, and overcrowding your car can leave drivers without seatbelts.

TIME FOR STORMY WEATHER.

Rainstorms, snow, sleet and ice can create scary and dangerous driving conditions, even more so for inexperienced drivers. Get as much supervised practice on the road during poor weather conditions as you can.

STOW AWAY THE CELL PHONE

Talking or texting on your cell phone while you're driving is a dangerous activity and also illegal in many areas. Keep your cell phone in your console or glove compartment while driving so you're not tempted to respond to calls or texts. If it's necessary to use your phone, safely pull over to the side of the road before even picking it up.

IT's ALL ABOUT THE RIDE.

Talk with your parents about what family vehicle you will drive. Large cars with fully-equipped safety features such as airbags and anti-lock breaks will offer better protection in a crash. Seatbelts come standard in all vehicles and save thousands of lives each year. Vermont law requires that driver and passengers buckle up. Play it safe - wear a seatbelt every time you are in the car and save your cash for something other than tickets.

This website has been created in collaboration with Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition, Brattleboro Area Middle School, Brattleboro Union High School and others.

Some of the resources that appear on this site have been borrowed from sources such as AbovetheInfluence.com and NIDA Teens.